For the past two games, rookie center Larry Muyang has put up a couple of solid performances for the De La Salle Green Archers.
Since being pegged as part of the Archers’ starting unit in their last two games against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons and the University of the East Red Warriors, Muyang has responded big time by averaging 8.5 points on 60 percent shooting, 11.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2 blocks per game.
Also, Muyang gives the Green Archers a much-needed presence in the paint. He is fast enough in providing help defense, an adept rebounder and a capable rim protector.
“Noong simula kasi parang hindi pa ako nakita ni Coach Juno [that I can be] aggressive sa court,” Muyang told Tiebreaker Times. “Pero noong last two games namin parang pagpasok niya sa akin nagagawa ko ang best ko at pinatunayan ko na kaya ko.”
Still, a rookie is a rookie, and Muyang knows that there is a mountain’s worth of pressure on his broad shoulders given that his post was once occupied by the likes of former Archer bigs, Arnold van Opstal and Norbert Torres. In addition, Muyang also expects heavy minutes given his team’s limited options in utilizing its frontcourt depth.
“Ako sa akin wala namang [pressure]. Siguro [ayusin ko] ang defense ko talaga at more on sa offense din.” he remarked. “Pero kung nandoon pa sana si Arnold [and the other veteran bigs], mas may kumpiyansa kami na mas madaming kaming big man at parang opportunity sa akin na maglaro [alongside them.]”
Setting rookie jitters aside, Muyang added that the calming veteran presence of the team’s seniors like Jeron Teng and Thomas Torres have contributed well on his on-court demeanors. He also commented that his teammates’ guidance makes them play as one in La Salle’s past two games.
“Pag nasa loob ka kasi with [the veterans], parang lahat din kami beterano,” Muyang further added. “Parang iisa lang kami at walang rookie sa amin. Basta laro lang talaga.”
Now, with Muyang slowly establishing himself as one of his team’s reliable frontcourt options, he aims to gain more confidence in their next slate of games and he also hopes that he make an impact on the defensive end of the floor when called upon.
“Siguro ibigay ko na lang ang best ko lalo na pagdating sa rebounds,” he ended. ”Tutulong na lang din ako sa team at ibigay ko na ang lahat ko.”
